Trade & FA 2023-24: Vezenkov+Kings Are Done

[mvossman]

Plus minus. Eye test. The last series. So let's make Gafford expendable. "But I really like him, it's just a DJJ thing." That's what I am hearing repeatedly, and I'm not seeing any of it is a good reason.

I seriously think you are way too cavalier with your criteria for replacing a player that is very useful. I

There are WAY better options available, and the disclaimer about DJJ doesn't mitigate the fact you did pick, and bash on, Gafford as your proposed route because of plus minus, eye test (whatever very subjective thing that means), and total recency.

Gafford is still young. He is just now on his first few months with a decent team and learning how to play in this system. He makes plays all the time. His contract is reasonable. For equal or less dollars, he is offering WAY more than players like THJ and Green.

This seems overly aggressive.  

Folks like Killer and Dirkfan have been saying since the trade that a concern with Gafford is his ability to defend in space.  That he is a good regular season center than will likely struggle when faced with the five out offenses that are used much more often in the playoffs.  The evidcence is clear (both eye test and massive disparity in on/off even accounting for sample size) that he indeed struggles (like most centers) in this situation.  

Killer already said he would prefer to address the need for space with Timmy or Green, so not sure why you are bringing them up.  He also mentioned that part of the reason to send out Gafford is to get a valuable asset back (as opposed to sending one out).  Its at least worth a discussion instead of the aggression you are showing here.